News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 9, 2022

After more than twelve years of working to bring together policymakers across the political spectrum for a meaningful dialogue of the issues and building an organization to create a more civil political discourse, Center Forward today is announcing new leadership roles and steps to further expand its team to better serve its mission. Cori Kramer has been named CEO and Riley Kilburg will step into her role as Executive Director.

Cori Kramer has more than 20 years of senior management, legislative, and advocacy experience, including over a decade as Executive Director. Prior to Center Forward, Kramer served as Chief of Staff to Rep. Brad Ellsworth (D-IN) and Rep. Mike Ross (D-AR), as well as numerous senior political campaign roles.

Riley Kilburg has spent more than 5 years on the Center Forward team, most recently serving as Director of Outreach and Engagement. Kilburg will oversee the day-to-day operations of the organization while charting organizational growth to continue fostering bipartisan dialogue in Washington, D.C.

“Together Cori and Riley will lead Center Forward into its next chapter and strengthen partnerships, grow our footprint, and support those in Congress and around the country who are working to bridge the political divide,” said former Congressman Bud Cramer, Center Forward’s Chairman of the Board. “We believe strongly in the work of fostering dialogue and restoring civility, and look forward to Cori and Riley continuing that work.”

“After the extreme polarization in the 2010 elections, Center Forward was founded to give Democrats, Republicans, and Independents a venue to come together to tackle our country’s biggest problems,” said Center Forward CEO Cori Kramer. “I’m proud to be supporting the next generation of leaders committed to common-sense solutions and know that the mission of Center Forward will flourish as we expand our focus.”

“I am so excited for this opportunity, and humbled and grateful by the trust and confidence my colleagues have placed in me as I step into this new role. Cori has set the standard during her tenure over the last twelve years and as I look to the future of this organization, I am eager to grow our team, launch new projects, and continue the work of building consensus in the halls of Congress,” said Riley Kilburg, Center Forward Executive Director.

Center Forward has its roots with pragmatic Members of Congress, who have always played a critical role in maintaining fiscal responsibility, supporting pro-growth business policies, and leading meaningful reform. Center Forward is a bipartisan nonprofit that brings together members of Congress, not-for-profits, academic experts, trade associations, corporations and unions to find common ground. Founded by former members and staff of moderate Members of Congress who experienced firsthand how the legislative process became marred by the excessive polarization existing in politics, the organization serves as a venue in which good ideas may be elevated, studied, discussed and developed. Center Forward exists to elevate and give voice to the center of the American electorate.

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